BusinessWest

PrideLands: White Lion Wednesday (Outdoors)
2025-11-12 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-11-19 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-11-26 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-12-03 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-12-10 16:30 - 21:00, 2025-12-17 16:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Tower Square Park, 1500 Main St, Springfield
The iconic White Lion Wednesday kicks off the event week with music, food, games, and social interaction at 1477 Main Street (Tower Square Park).
4:30pm until 9pm.
Weekly Entertainment, cigar bar, games, etc.

The BizGrow Conference Springfield
2025-11-13 12:00 - 15:00 | Springfield Central library
The BizGrow Conference in Springfield offers free legal assistance and business resources to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Attendees will get the chance to meet one-on-one with a specialized business attorney on topics ranging from contracts and entity formation, to intellectual property and real estate. This event will be hosted at the Springfield Central Library (220 State Street, Springfield, MA).
At the 2025 BizGrow Springfield Conference, participants will:
– Meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys for free legal advice on business issues;
– Connect with local and state organizations that provide vital small business resources and support; and
– Network with other small business owners and entrepreneurs across Western Massachusetts.
Register for this free event: bit.ly/BizGrowSpringfield2025

Mindful Childbirth & Parenting: 8 Week Course
2025-11-14 10:00 - 2026-01-02 12:30, 2025-11-21 10:00 - 2026-01-09 12:30, 2025-11-28 10:00 - 2026-01-16 12:30, 2025-12-05 10:00 - 2026-01-23 12:30, 2025-12-12 10:00 - 2026-01-30 12:30, 2025-12-19 10:00 - 2026-02-06 12:30 | Sunderland Library, 20 School St, Sunderland, 01375, United States
Join other expectant parents in this groundbreaking, 8-week in-person mindful birthing course led by Brigid Owino of Perinatal Wellness Partners. Learn to engage the mind to work with pain, fear, and anxiety during labor while increasing confidence and courage for the experience of labor and delivery. This course can also carry you through the early stages of parenthood. Partners are welcome to join.
In this Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) course, learn to:
Access deep physical and mental relaxation
Engage the mind to work with pain during labor
Increase confidence and courage for the experience of labor and delivery
Practice prenatal movement for strength and flexibility
Develop skills for managing stress in pregnancy, parenting, and daily life
Enhance partner communication skills
Become more aware of your own approach to parenting
Registration is required; sign up here: https://calendly.com/sunderlandpubliclibrary/childbirth?month=2025-09

Resilient Leadership: ​Improv to Improve Flexibility in Uncertain Times
2025-11-14 13:00 - 16:00 | Happier Valley Comedy, 1 Mill Valley Road, Hadley, MA, 01035, United States
A Professional Development Training
with Meghan Lynch, CEO, Six-Point Strategy & Pam Victor, President/Founder, Happier Valley Comedy
Friday, November 14th, 2025
1:00 – 4:00pm​
​Happier Valley Comedy
1 Mill Valley Rd., Hadley, MA
​$95
Life seems to have an endless supply of curveballs up its sleeve, doesn’t it? We set long-term strategic goals and show up each day with a plan … only to have the unexpected barge in. Fortunately, improvisers are trained to eat flexibility for breakfast and resilience for lunch. (Dinner is usually pizza.) So who better to guide leaders in adjusting to change with healthy agility than a professional improviser and a renowned business strategist?
In this interactive professional development event for leaders, Six-Point Strategy CEO Meghan Lynch teams up with Happier Valley Comedy Founder/President Pam Victor to share practical techniques for meeting changes and challenges with greater resilience, ease, openness, and equanimity. Together, we’ll explore how the principles of improvisation can strengthen strategic decision-making through intention and presence.
Because today’s leaders aren’t just facing the occasional disruption. They’re leading in a state of perma-crisis. Research shows that in these moments, the best leaders don’t cling to old assumptions or wait for perfect clarity; they ask better questions that expand perspective and open new paths. That’s exactly the skill set improvisers train for—and what we’ll practice together in this session.
In this fun, interactive event, you’ll experience entertaining lessons, guided discussions, and interactive exercises to deepen learning and connection with other local leaders. You’ll leave with strategies you can use immediately … and a big smile!

2025 A+ Awards Dinner
2025-11-18 17:00 - 20:00 | 41 Campus Center Way, 41 Campus Center Way, Amherst, MA, 01003, United States
Celebrating excellence, impact and legacy! Each year, the Amherst Area Chamber bestows A+ Awards to individuals and organizations that enrich the life of the community through their work in business, education, and civic engagement across the area that the Chamber serves: Amherst, Belchertown, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, and Sunderland.
The 2025 Annual A+ Awards Dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 18 in the Student Union Ballroom at the University of Massachusetts Amherst from 5 – 8 PM.
This Year’s Awardees:
Young Professional Award: Alyssa Petrides, Nature & Nurture Preschool
Community Service Award: Sarah Maroney, Belchertown Creative Economy Committee
Leader In Sustainability Award: Weston Dripps, Amherst College
Chamber MVP Award: Robert Allingham, Amherst Business Improvement District
Legacy Award Award: Clare Higgins, Community Action Pioneer Valley
Lifetime Achievement Award: Tullio Inglese, TIA Architects

Small Business Weekend Digital Passport
2025-11-28 07:00 - 23:00, 2025-11-29 07:00 - 23:00, 2025-11-30 07:00 - 23:00 | Downtown Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) will be facilitating a Small Business Weekend Digital Passport, Friday, November 28 through Sunday, November 30, for a chance to win 1 of 2 prizes – a $100 Downtown Pittsfield e-gift card and a pair of tickets to either Barrington Stage Company or Berkshire Theatre Group.
To participate, scan a QR code at every participating business/location where you make a purchase, and each unique QR code you scan will entitle you to one entry to win 1 of the 2 prizes. The more entries, the greater your chance of winning. Only one entry per business/location will be counted per person.
The Small Business Weekend Digital Passport QR codes will be available at participating businesses and locations from Friday, November 28 through Sunday, November 30. No entries will be accepted before or after these dates.
Purchases include:
Dine in/Take out
Gift Card Purchases
Fitness Classes, Passes, and Memberships
Theatre Tickets
Anything money is spent on!
Participating Locations:
Retailers:
413Shirts, 1595 East Street (valid on purchases in store only)
Berkshire Carousel Gift Shop, 50 Center Street
Bottomless Bricks, 163 South Street
Budhaus, 239 West Street
Deidre’s Special Day, 2 South Street
Diane Firtell Designs (Pop-up at SOLARUIM on Fri. 11/28 and Sat. 11/29. Ornament Decoration Workshop at Dottie’s on Sun. 11/30, 2:30-4:30 pm)
Dory & Ginger, 299 North Street
Indie Readery & Records, 314 North Street
Kidding Around Consignment, 700 North Street
Mana Crypt Gaming Center, 55 West Housatonic Street
Museum Outlets, 31 South Street
Peace Train Tees, 2 South Street
SOLARUIM Plant Shop, 46 West Street
The Hair Studio, 10 Bank Row
Truffles by Tarah (Pop-up at Indie Readery & Records on Sat. 11/29 or online at www.trufflesbytarah.com)
Wellness:
Berkshire Fitness and Wellness Center, 137 North Street
Berkshire Yoga Dance & Fitness, 55 North Street, Suite 201
Experience:
Berkshire Music School, 30 Wendell Avenue
Berkshire Theatre Group, 111 South Street
Holiday Inn and Suites, 1 West Street
Restaurants:
Angelina’s, 97 West Housatonic Street and 100 Dalton Avenue
Dottie’s Coffee Lounge, 444 North Street
Hot Harry’s, 37 North Street
Marie’s North Street Eatery and Gallery, 146 North Street
Marketplace Cafe, 53 North Street
Methuselah Bar and Lounge, 391 North Street
For more information on the Small Business Weekend Digital Passport, visit DowntownPittsfield.com or contact Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. at 413-443-6501.
The mission of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is to strengthen and promote Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s membership through advocacy, collaboration, and celebration.
Since 1983, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) has been the recognized leader, facilitator, and principal advocate for downtown. DPI is a membership organization consisting of property owners, businesses, residents, cultural & entertainment venues, restaurants, and non-profit organizations who have joined forces to increase economic activity by promoting downtown as a great place to live, work, and play.

Revitalize CDC Hosts “Giving Tuesday: On The Rocks” Celebrity Bartender Fundraiser at White Lion Brewing
2025-12-02 16:30 - 20:30 | White Lion Brewing Company, 1500 Main Street, Springfield, MA, 01103, United States
Revitalize Community Development Corporation will host a #GivingTuesday: On The Rocks Celebrity Bartender Fundraiser on Monday, December 2nd from 4:30–8:30 PM at White Lion Brewing Company in downtown Springfield. The event brings together community leaders, local professionals, and supporters for an evening of networking, fun, and philanthropy—all to raise funds for safe and healthy housing across Western Massachusetts.
Throughout the evening, more than a dozen “celebrity” bartenders will step behind the bar to compete for tips and donations. Guests can contribute directly by “tipping” their favorite bartender through unique QR codes, with 100% of proceeds supporting Revitalize CDC’s mission to repair, modify, and rebuild homes for low-income families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
A portion of food and beverage sales from White Lion Brewing will also benefit the organization.
This year’s fundraiser launches ahead of the national #GivingTuesday movement, encouraging early giving to help Revitalize CDC meet its year-end goal and continue providing critical home repairs throughout the region.
The event is open to the public. Donations can also be made online at www.revitalizecdc.com

Downtown Pittsfield Festive Frolic
2025-12-05 - 2025-12-06, 2025-12-05, 2025-12-06 | Downtown Pittsfield, Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA, 01201, United States
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) will host the Downtown Pittsfield Festive Frolic on Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6. Activities will include the City of Pittsfield’s Park Square Tree Lighting Ceremony, Free Hot Chocolate and Photo Ops with The Grinch at Otto’s, The Berkshire Bazaar hosted by Thistle ‘n Thorn Floral at The Holiday Inn, Photo Ops with Santa, A Free Kids’ Paint & Sip, The City of Pittsfield’s Wreath Art Auction at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, and much more.
The City of Pittsfield’s Park Square Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on Friday, December 5 starting at 6 pm. Join Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the City of Pittsfield’s Recreation Department for this festive holiday tradition. The Pittsfield High School Chorus will perform a variety of carols around 5:45 pm before the ceremony begins, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive following the tree lighting. Lipton Market will be providing free hot chocolate and coffee in Park Square during the event.
Those planning to attend the ceremony are asked to bring non-perishable food items that will be donated to the Christian Center’s food pantry.
Artists Peter Vacchina and Robert Markey will be creating holiday-themed ice sculptures in Park Square beginning at 5 pm. Their live ice sculpting will continue throughout the evening for attendees to watch, subject to favorable weather conditions.
Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort, 95 East Street, will be providing free hot chocolate and photo ops with the Grinch from 5 to 8 pm on Friday, December 5.
The Festive Frolic continues Saturday, December 6, with The Berkshire Bazaar hosted by Thistle ‘n Thorn Floral at The Holiday Inn, 1 West Street, from 11 am to 4 pm. Shop handmade goods and thoughtful gifts from dozens of local makers, artists, and small businesses.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will host a Free Kids’ Paint & Sip on Saturday, December 6, 12:30 to 3 pm, in the auditorium at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 East Street.
This free holiday-themed Paint & Sip is best suited for ages 5 to 12, although younger and older children are welcome. All materials, snacks, and juice will be provided. Children will be provided with a small canvas and wooden ornament for painting. The Berkshire Museum will be joining in on the fun with a free yarn snowflake ornament craft.
Children are welcome to drop in anytime over the course of the event, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The auditorium is on the second floor of the parish house, and the entrance is on Allen Street.
Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will also host Photo Ops with Santa on Saturday, December 6, 12:30 to 3 pm, outside in Dunham Mall at 100 North Street.
Santa will be welcoming children and families to visit with him and take photos. Please bring your own camera or cell phone to capture your own photos of this special moment. There will not be a photographer on site.
Hand Crafted, 26 Dunham Mall, will be handing out free hot chocolate and cider to all in attendance, and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. will be handing out free Winston Ornaments while supplies last.
Berkshire Community Action Council (BCAC) invites you to help support the Elf Children’s Warm Clothing Program by bringing a NEW winter coat or pair of boots to Dunham Mall for a child in need. If you do, you’ll earn an entry into a raffle to win a luxurious one-night stay at Hotel on North. BCAC will also be giving away free cookies to all. The raffle drawing will be at 3 pm, and you do not need to be present to win.
Hot Plate Brewing Co., 1 School Street, will present free live music in their taproom from 1 to 3 pm featuring JJ Slater, a song-singer, guitar-picker, and storyteller from the swampy side of New England.
The Berkshire Carousel at 50 Center Street will celebrate the Festive Frolic with Donkey Day on Saturday, December 6 from 12 to 5 pm. There will be free rides in celebration of Missy the Donkey sponsored by author Kevin O’ Hara. Kevin will introduce his latest book, and there will be a special dance performance.
SOLARIUM Plant Shop, 46 West Street, invites children to drop-in to make free dried floral ornaments from 12:30 to 3 pm on Saturday, December 6.
Indie Readery and Records, 314 North Street, and Drag Story Hour Berkshires will present a holiday-themed Drag Story Hour with Sativo Green from 1 to 2:30 pm on Saturday, December 6.
The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s Public Library, 1 Wendell Avenue, will offer free drop-in activities for all ages from 12:30 to 3 pm on Saturday, December 6. The Children’s Library will host a fun winter craft, the Young Adult Department will offer a button-making craft, and there will be festive bookmark making for adults and teens in the Blake Room.
This year, the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Avenue, will host its 11th annual Wreath Art Auction to benefit the Pittsfield Community Food Pantry on a SATURDAY. Join the Office of Cultural Development for this holiday tradition on Saturday, December 6 from 4 to 6 pm. Grab and go wreaths will be available starting at 4 pm, and the top items will be auctioned off at 5:30 pm.
Dozens of local artists have donated their talent, time, and materials to create one-of-a-kind, original holiday wreaths, centerpieces, kissing balls, and more. There will also be a raffle to win some amazing gifts from local businesses, and all of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Pittsfield Community Food Pantry which serves over 1200 families a week in Pittsfield. $10 suggested donation at the door.
The Albany Berkshire Ballet (ABB) is bringing back its Annual Tour of the holiday classic The Nutcracker to The Colonial Theatre on Friday, December 5; Saturday, December 6; and Sunday, December 7. Choreographed by ABB’s Artistic Director Madeline Cantarella Culpo, the production features lavish sets and scenery designed by Stockbridge native and renowned theater and movie set designer Carl Sprague, as well as costumes designed by Sam Meredith. In this performance, young local dance students will share the stage with professional ABB dancers, portraying special children’s roles. This year’s company includes international dancers as well as dancers from around the United States. For tickets, visit berkshiretheatregroup.org.
For more information on the Downtown Pittsfield Festive Frolic, visit downtownpittsfield.com or call Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. at 413-443-6501.
The mission of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is to strengthen and promote Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.’s membership through advocacy, collaboration, and celebration.
Since 1983, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) has been the recognized leader, facilitator, and principal advocate for downtown. DPI is a membership organization consisting of property owners, businesses, residents, cultural & entertainment venues, restaurants, and non-profit organizations who have joined forces to increase economic activity by promoting downtown as a great place to live, work, and play.

2025 Lighting of the Merry Maple
2025-12-05 15:00 - 18:00 | Downtown Amherst, Amherst, MA
Annual Lighting of the Merry Maple
Friday, December 5th, 2025
3 – 6 PM
Amherst North Common
Join the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce, the Amherst Business Improvement District, and the Town of Amherst for a magical kickoff to the winter season! Downtown Amherst transforms into a festive winter wonderland for the Annual Lighting of the Merry Maple, co-presented by bankESB and Amherst College.
Join us for an evening of live performances, crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, and the much-anticipated Lighting of the Merry Maple!
Schedule of Events
🚒 3–6 PM: Amherst Fire Department Open House
✂️ 3–5 PM: Crafts and games with Amherst Recreation, including sensory-friendly activities
📚 3–5 PM: Crafts with the Jones Library; Storytime at 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM in Town Hall (1st Floor Meeting Room)
🐴 4 PM On: Horse-drawn carriage rides with Muddy Brook Farm (pauses during the Marching Band performance)
♫ 4 PM: Caroling downtown by the UMass Treble Choir and the Amherst College Zumbyes
🎶 4:30 PM: Amherst Regional Middle School Chorus performance on the steps of Town Hall
🌟 5:00 PM: Official Merry Maple Tree Lighting Countdown on the steps of Town Hall
🌈 5:10 PM: Amherst Community Theater performance on the steps of Town Hall
🎅⛄ 5:30 PM: Santa and Flakey the Snowfriend arrive by Fire Truck
🎺 5:30–6 PM: UMass Minuteman Marching Band performance on the Common

13th Annual Christmas Tree & Wreath Festival
2025-12-05 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-12-06 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-07 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-13 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-12-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Palmer Historical and Cultural Center, 2072 Main St., Three Rivers, MA, 01080, United States
Mark your calendars! The 13th Annual Christmas Tree & Wreath Festival is right around the corner.
Festival Dates: Dec 5 | 4–7 PM & Dec 6–7 | 10 AM–3 PM & Dec 13–14 | 10 AM–3 PM
Location: Palmer Historical & Cultural Center, 2072 Main St., Three Rivers
Stop by during the festival to purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win a gorgeous, decorated tree or festive wreath – each one handcrafted by individuals, businesses, and community groups.
Raffle tickets: $1 each or $5 for 10
Bring new and unwrapped toys to donate to the Lions Club of Palmer Toy Drive and receive a free raffle ticket (for each donated toy) as a thank-you for helping local families in need!
More info: https://palmerhcc.org/events/

Women of Impact 2025
2025-12-09 17:30 - 21:00 | Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Rd, Longmeadow, MA, 01006
Ticket sales have ended, but if you have any questions or would like to join the wait list, email Natasha Mercado, Marketing and Events Manager, at mercado@businesswest.com or call (413) 781-8600 ext. 100
In 2018, BusinessWest created the Women of Impact program as a way to honor women in the region who are making an impact and creating positive change. There are so many different ways to do this. While nominees can hail from the world of business, they can also emerge from other realms, such as the nonprofit community, public service, law enforcement, education, social work, the mentorship community, a combination of these — in short, we’re recognizing inspirational women on any level.

Designer Purrrse Bingo
2025-12-12 18:00 - 22:00 | Springfield Elks Lodge, 440 Tiffany Street, Springfield, MA, 01108
Get ready for a glamorous night out with a cause! Join us Friday, December 12, 2025 at the Springfield Elks for Designer Purrrse Bingo, an unforgettable evening benefiting the animals in need at the Foundation for TJO Animals. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the first game starts at 6:45 PM — and trust us, this is not your grandma’s bingo.
✨ What’s in store:
Each ticket includes a 10-game packet & dabber to mark your cards.
NEW this year: two designer bags per round—double the fun, double the stakes!
Featuring an exclusive Louis Vuitton Bonus Game (purse lovers, this one’s for you).
Door prizes, raffles, refreshments, and a cash bar to toast your wins.
Plus an Adopt & Rescue Bag Raffle Table — score a stylish statement piece, while supporting rescue efforts.
🎤 Emceed by Leah Rantz of Lazer 99.3 — bringing the energy, the laughs, and maybe a few surprises.
💵 Price info & extras:
Tickets: $50 each
Want to bring your friends? Grab a table for 10 seats for $450
Add-ons: more bingo packets, extra cards, special game cards (including that LV game) all available
Come for the purses. Stay for the paws. Help animals get the care they deserve. Let’s make it a night to remember — stylish, fun, and full of heart.
*If you’re interested in being an event sponsor, please contact jbrown@tjofoundation.org. We are still looking for our Partner sponsor, which features a full program add, table signs and more!
